4 days before we left. Apartment was almost empty, so we thought we could try on our chearleading skills. I think we did quite alright. There used to be a table, a sofabed, and a television in that corner.

Exactly 3 years ago we were running around frantically, trying to tie up all the loose ends and close down our normal life, to start our homelessness. I mean, our vagabonding life.

36 hours before departure, not more than 10 seconds I could afford to close my eyes to sleep. An apartment that should be empty for inspection was still messy and dirty. Stuff still piled up in the corners. I hadn’t packed my backpack yet!

6 hours before departure, Ryan still went to work for his last day in the office.

4 hours before departure, the car his father lent us to empty our apartment, broke down. Hopelessly dead, stuck in the parking lot.

3 hours before departure, Dina panicking beside an empty backpack and a big heap of clothes. She couldn’t decide on 4 shirts to bring.

2 hours before departure, Dina had a breakdown. Bouncing off the walls, blind with panic, eyes won’t focus because of sleepiness. Travel documents still scattered everywhere.

Ryan was still in the office.

The next 2 hours passed in blur. Ryan’s coworkers came to push the dead car into a parking spot. Ryan’s brother came to help clean up the apartment. We couldn’t have made it without them – second thoughts, how could we leave our friends and family? Who would we depend on when we’re far away?

A few things to keep, but most for donation. We didn’t plan to go back. The hobos from nearby Salvation Army had a great time dividing up our junk.

Closing down our apartment. Our normal life. Trying to fit all our possessions in 2 backpacks. Leaving for only God knows how long. No plan on returning.

3 years ago, we both slept like a couple of babies, during the 2 hour van ride to the US border.

Wow – your memories of that day three years ago are still so vivid they make for a great blog post! I was caught up in the excitement and anxiety as I read it. Happy 3rd travel anniversary!Sabina´s last post…8 Things You Need to Know Before Traveling to Israel

I would have freaked out over your last few years. No way I could have handled that! Geez, what a crazy way to start the trip. I guess this is where the planner in me comes in. Ironically, organization isn’t my best skill but the planning makes up for it! Jeremy Branham´s last post…Family airline fee – say goodbye to your family on your flight